In the world of writing a cozy mystery, your MC—your sleuth—is your superstar. They are the reason we continue reading a series. But what is it that makes us so loyal to them that we want to follow their story?
Personality. Determination. How they fit into the world around them.
With those ideas in mind, here are a few tips for building a sleuth your readers will follow from Book One to the series end.
1. Give Her a Life Outside the Mystery
Your sleuth should have a job, a hobby, or go to school—an everyday world will provide context and allow for personal conflict.
2. Anchor Her in a Community
Since small towns and cozy mysteries are almost synonymous, ground your sleuth in a community of friends, rivals, and town traditions. Each one will add richness to their character.
Michelle, the MC in the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries, has a family that disapproves of her career choice, a part-time job that takes time away from studying, and friends at the university’s commuter lounge who not only give her support but sometimes add a bit of drama to her life. They all add a distinct layer to Michelle’s personality.
3. Give Her a Unique Skill Set
What makes their sleuthing style so special? Are they great at reading people? Overly curious? Read too many crime novels? Have a background in psychology or journalism? A good cozy sleuth brings something unexpected to their investigations.
4. Balance Curiosity with Compassion
Your sleuth must ask the hard questions, sometimes suspecting family or friends, yet still maintaining a warm heart and a strong sense of justice. They need to be someone we always root for.
5. Build a Personal Stake
They often get involved in solving a crime because they have a vested interest in it—a friend is accused, a business they frequent is threatened, their family is at risk. When our sleuth is invested in the outcome, it raises the emotional stakes for the readers. For example, in Death on Cozumel Island, Claire O’Keefe decides to extend her vacation on the island to help clear her friend of the crime and try to solve the mysterious death. A friendship is on the line, and Claire won’t stop until she finds the killer.
6. Wardrobe as Identity
Give them a signature look: vintage scarves, an Eiffel Tower charm, or cardigan sweaters. Details give your readers insights into your sleuth’s personality.
7. Flaws Make Her Human
As tempting as it may be to make your sleuth perfect, don’t. Let your MC have a few flaws, such as a lack of self-confidence, fear of public speaking, heights, or closed-in places. Let them be imperfect. Let your sleuth be human.
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